Growing through community

Editor’s Note: Bianca Godina, editor of Sol del Valle, attended the event on behalf of the publication.

What began as a Facebook space for sharing advice and promoting businesses has, one year later, grown into a community of more than 1,000 women. To celebrate this milestone, Anahí Gazga, administrator of the Mujeres Emprendedoras del Valle page, brought together 30 members from the Roaring Fork, Colorado River and Eagle valleys for a breakfast gathering at Las Mexicanitas Jireth on May 31, marking the group’s first in-person event.

According to Gazga, Mujeres Emprendedoras del Valle was born out of a deeply personal need.

“It came from my need to find friends, advice, recommendations, support and to help other women in any way I could,” she explained.

“It is a community exclusively for women, with all kinds of businesses. This space allows us to promote ourselves, support one another and share information about the tools available to help us grow,” Gazga said. “It is not limited to women entrepreneurs. It also includes hardworking and valuable women who need access to services and products in their daily lives.”

That sense of support was one of the themes that resonated throughout the morning.

Fabiola Gutiérrez, owner of The Glow Atelier in Carbondale, was among the first to speak. Reflecting on the challenges entrepreneurs face, she acknowledged that fear and exhaustion can sometimes make even the most promising ventures feel uncertain.

“Sometimes you have to tell yourself, ‘Let’s keep moving forward,’” she said. “Seeing all of you here, I know I’m not the only brave one.”

From there, the conversation flowed naturally. For more than an hour, each participant shared a piece of their story, from the paths that led them to start a business to the experiences that continue to inspire their growth.

Elizabeth Gonzalez recounted how she transitioned from the automotive industry to pursuing her culinary business.

“I love cooking,” she said, explaining the passion that now drives her venture.

For Eva Frías, owner of Decoarte Vianney’s, entrepreneurship also grew out of a passion she has carried since childhood.

“I grew up surrounded by flowers and silicone,” she recalled. Although she studied tourism business administration, she ultimately followed the path that led her to floral arrangements and crafts.

Myriam Pérez, owner of Aspenite in Glenwood Springs, shared lessons drawn from her own experience.

“The important thing is to have faith in yourself,” she said. Reflecting on the challenges of the pandemic, she explained that it was during that difficult period that she and her daughter decided to start a business together. “The pandemic hurt us in many ways, but it also taught us a great deal.”

She also emphasized the importance of community collaboration.

“What matters is that Latinos support one another.”

Flor Cecilia, owner of CC’s Café in Basalt, shared a similar perspective.

“Doing things with enthusiasm, maintaining a positive attitude and learning to say yes to opportunities,” she said, has been part of the formula that has helped her move forward.

Not all attendees arrived as established business owners. Some came seeking inspiration to launch ventures of their own.

“If I want to do this one day, you are the best example that I can,” Angela Castro told the group.

In addition to commercial businesses, the gathering also brought together women involved in community initiatives and nonprofit organizations. Graciela Durán spoke about her work with El Club de Abuelitos, while Indhira Barrón shared information about the work of Pueblo Azul Colorado and La Alianza.

“We are Latina women leaders organizing ourselves to bring unity and well-being to our community,” Barrón said.

The diversity of projects represented reflected the breadth of the community that has formed around the group. Participants included women working in tax preparation, catering services, personalized products, embroidery, custom tumbler decoration, jewelry sales, consulting and many other ventures.

At the conclusion of the event, Gazga said she felt encouraged by the enthusiasm and connections that emerged among attendees.

“My priority has always been the women and their businesses. In the end, I think we achieved that,” she said. “Support is essential — all of us make it possible.”

For Gazga, the true value of the group extends beyond sales, advertising or business growth. It is about building a community where women can find support, inspiration and opportunities to keep moving forward.

“At the end of the day, we all need one another, and everyone is welcome in the group.”

Women interested in joining the community can request to join the Mujeres Emprendedoras del Valle Facebook group, where they can find information about future gatherings, resources and opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs throughout the region.